Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

The Government is modernising its approach to development, moving from donors to investors, from delivering services to supporting systems, from providing grants to utilising our expertise, and from international interventions to supporting local solutions.

Country-led and community-led partnerships are at the heart of this approach, and we recognise the important contribution that cooperatives make to the prosperity of local communities, such as those in Zambia and Nepal working to improve smallholder farmers' access to markets, with the support of the UK.

I refer the Hon Member to the Prime Minister's statement to the House on 2 February, and to the responses provided in the Private Notice Question debate held in the House of Lords on the same date.

It is for the United States to set its own security and defence policy, as it is for any government.

However, there are many issues and initiatives where we share common objectives with the US, ranging from the AUKUS treaty and our joint work on critical minerals, to the ongoing efforts to secure peace and stability in Gaza, Sudan and Syria.

We will continue to work with our closest partner to pursue those and other shared goals.

Providing consular support is a vital public service, with more than 20,000 British people given tailored assistance each year.

We are continually investing in improvements, including integration of AI to improve efficiency, alongside staff training and crisis exercising to give a better service.

We are determined to reassure families that their voices are heard, which is why Ministers have held well over 20 meetings with the families of Brits detained abroad, and continually raise their cases with foreign governments at the highest levels.

In the last full financial year, the FCDO answered over 400,000 requests for consular support from British nationals overseas, and provided more tailored assistance in over 22,000 cases, including support for the families of more than 6,000 British nationals who had died overseas, and 3,500 who had been hospitalised.

The UK continues to use its penholder role at the UN Security Council (UNSC) to shine a spotlight on the Myanmar crisis, and condemn airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, in meetings attended by China and other Security Council members. Details of the UNSC meeting convened by the UK on 22 December 2025 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/elections-under-the-current-circumstances-in-myanmar-risk-provoking-further-violence-uk-statement-on-myanmar

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he received on 28 October 2025 in response to Question 84207.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have met Chagossian individuals and groups over 30 times since 2024. I have met with Chagossian groups and individuals four times. The new Chagossian Contact Group has held meetings in September and December 2025, and again in January. The group will continue to meet quarterly.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not produce reports on religious persecution in Myanmar.

I refer the Hon Member to the details of the forecast cost at the time, and duration of the treaty set out in the Explanatory Memorandum published on 22 May 2025, and to the extensive discussion of all these issues and methodologies that has subsequently taken place during the passage of the Bill.

Mr Powell was appointed as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy in early August 2024. All information provided to him in that role was shared appropriately and in line with established procedures.

Mr Powell was appointed as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy in early August 2024. All information provided to him in that role was shared appropriately and in line with established procedures.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to Question 115118 on 3 March.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided in response to Questions 115117 on 3 March.

The UK remains committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of the Pitcairn Islands. Our funding supports a medical clinic on island and enables the Government of the Pitcairn Islands (GPI) to refer complex medical cases to Tahiti or New Zealand with support from an external healthcare provider.

The UK has had no advance notice of specific disclosures on the US Justice Department's website.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to Question 115118 on 3 March.

I refer her to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Last year, the Government invested over £31 million in programmes in the Western Balkans, supporting women and girls, protecting democratic values, and enhancing resilience to hostile state influences, including funding for counter-disinformation and cyber defence support. We will set out details of future funding allocations in the coming months, we continue to be committed to pursuing a wide range of objectives in partnerships across the region focussed on stability, security, and prosperity among other issues.

Independent reporting by the UN Commission of Inquiry and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Moscow Mechanism has highlighted widespread abuses of prisoners of war, including violations of their fundamental rights. The UK has been clear that prisoners of war must be treated humanely and in full accordance with the Geneva Conventions and has called on Russia to meet its obligations under international humanitarian law. As per the UK's long-standing policy, it would not be appropriate to speculate about any future sanctions action, but - having already imposed on Russia the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy, alongside our international partners - we keep the scope for further action under constant review.

UK officials in London and at the our Embassy in Yerevan continue to monitor developments in the relationship between the Armenian Government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. We have consistently underlined the importance of all actions being fully in line with Armenia's constitutional and legal framework, ensuring that due process is respected and that all individuals are treated fairly under the law, with judicial proceedings remaining transparent and impartial. The Government remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide.

Ministers and officials in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are in constant discussion with their US counterparts across a wide range of issues.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member's question. The question was answered on 2 March.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer to Questions 114799 and 114800.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 February in response to Question 110708.

No meetings took place between ministers from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius from the period 5 July 2024 to August 2025.

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

Poland is a vital UK ally and a NATO member, playing a central role in the defence of NATO's eastern flank and security in the Baltic region. Poland is also a crucial partner in supporting Ukraine, including through military, humanitarian and logistical assistance. Poland is not currently seeking membership of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), but has contributed to JEF exercises through the JEF Plus mechanism.

The UK's Economic Partnership Agreements and Developing Countries Trading Scheme provide West and Central African partners with preferential access to the UK market, supporting growth, employment, and development of resilient agricultural supply chains. This preferential access has enabled West African banana‑exporting countries, including Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, to strengthen their position in the UK market, underpinning rural livelihoods in sectors where women play a significant role.

We have also supported the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and worked with TradeMark Africa to strengthen trade corridors on the continent, including tackling the barriers that women face when engaging in cross‑border trade.

The UK's Economic Partnership Agreements and Developing Countries Trading Scheme provide West and Central African partners with preferential access to the UK market, supporting growth, employment, and development of resilient agricultural supply chains. This preferential access has enabled West African banana‑exporting countries, including Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, to strengthen their position in the UK market, underpinning rural livelihoods in sectors where women play a significant role.

We have also supported the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and worked with TradeMark Africa to strengthen trade corridors on the continent, including tackling the barriers that women face when engaging in cross‑border trade.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 24 November 2025 to Question 91527 following elections in Cameroon. Further to this, the UK continues to work with international partners, including through the UN and G7, to encourage the Government of Cameroon to uphold human rights. Through our British High Commission in Yaoundé, we regularly raise concerns and urge stronger democratic governance and engagement with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.